Do you like to have a wide range of options when you are on holiday? Would you like to enjoy this at a ski resort that literally knows no borders? Then head to the Špičák Ski Resort in Železná Ruda, just a few kilometres from the German border. Here you will find just what you are looking for, whether there will be downhill skis, cross-country skis or a snowboard strapped to your feet and whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned pro. The backdrop for all this will be the beautiful protracted hills with deep forests of the Šumava Mountains, which is the largest forested area in Europe.
Thanks to many years of cross-border cooperation with the renowned slopes of Großer Arber on the German side (known as Velký Javor in Czech), which is the highest mountain in the entire Šumava range, the Špičák Ski Resort is one of the biggest resorts on the continent outside of the Alps.
Perfect slopes and a fairytale paradise for children
You can choose from ten main pistes of all levels of difficulty totalling more than 8 kilometres in length. If you are a true champion skier, take the 1.5-kilometre black slope. Špičák offers four less demanding red slopes, and for complete beginners there are six blue slopes – ideal for first-time skiers. The resort features four additional runs, where ski schools are located, and a special Penguinland for the youngest fans of this winter sport. For small visitors there is also a children’s ski playground and a baby-lift with a magic carpet, animal figures and other aids to help them in their first ski steps.
Snowboarding or ski touring
Enjoyment of the great winter experiences at Špičák certainly doesn’t exclude snowboarders. If you are just starting out, the ideal place for you is the local FUNpark, which is designed specifically for novice snowboarders and freeskiers. Here you can try easy obstacles such as terrain waves, jumps, boxes and rails. You definitely won’t be bored! Do you like night skiing? Špičák also has this covered. You can enjoy evening runs on the Lubský slope. The Špičák Ski Resort also offers all the necessary amenities including equipment rental, ski service and a test centre. You can also use the babysitting service here. What’s more, the resort offers plenty for fans of cross-country skiing. There are dozens of kilometres of groomed trails that lead through the beautiful Šumava countryside. The resort also now offers ski-touring, with seven routes of various lengths and difficulty levels in the immediate area.
Where else to go?
Železná Ruda is an excellent starting point for exploring the extraordinary beauty of the Šumava National Park. You can walk or ski to the Čertovo and Černé glacial lakes, which are among the most beautiful locations in the entire park. If you like fairytale cities, take a trip to Český Krumlov. Its charming historical centre with the second largest castle in the Czech Republic is one of the most valuable complexes inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.